Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

Toothbrush comprising a handle and a bristle-bearing head attached thereto, said head comprising a bristle-bearing face and an opposite face, said opposite face comprising an array of resilient wall-like massaging flaps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a toothbrush comprisingresilient wall-like flaps.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] WO 98/18364 (P&G) describes a toothbrush with combination ofbristles, soft cleansing pad and/or polishing fingers. The polishingfingers are preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer and the softpolishing pad is an absorbent pad capable of providing an improvedcleaning benefit.

[0005] GB-A-2 040 161 (Vowles) describes an improved toothbrushcomprising, in addition to conventional bristles tufts, a gum massagingmember located outermost on opposite sides of the brushing surface.

[0006] WO 98/22000 (Asher) discloses a toothbrush comprising a plaqueremoving member being formed from a mixture of relatively softelastomeric material and particles of an abrasive material.

[0007] Despite the presence in the prior art of brushes with lamellae onthe bristle bearing surface there has been no attempt to use lamellae onthe back face of the toothbrush head.

[0008] We have surprisingly found that providing a brush head withresilient wall-like flaps on the back face of the brush head provides amultitude of sensorial, cosmetic and physiological benefits to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a toothbrushcomprising a handle and a bristle-bearing head attached thereto, saidhead comprising a bristle-bearing face and an opposite face, saidopposite face comprising an array of resilient wall-like massagingflaps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The flaps on the reverse face of the head provide their benefiteither while the brush is being used conventionally, i.e. during regulartoothbrushing, or even as a specific act upon the oral care surfaces,e.g. as a polishing element on the tooth or a scraping effect on thetongue.

[0011] Preferably the flaps comprise a resilient material such asrubber, plastic or an elastomer, more preferably a thermoplasticelastomer such as those well known in the art.

[0012] Rubbery flaps effect a gentler action on the oral care surfaceswith massaging the buccal surfaces during regular toothbrushing or evenmassagin the gums as a separate action.

[0013] The head of the toothbrush will typically comprise asubstantially hard material in which are embedded the bristles. Typicalmaterials for the brush head include polyolefin such as polypropylene oracrylonitrile and nylon.

[0014] The massaging flaps of the invention may thus be materially partof the brush head or independent therefrom. Where they do comprisedifferent materials they may be bonded to each other to secure the flapsto the brush head. Bonding may be mechanical, chemical or otherwise.Mechanical bonding may be by way of an independent adhesive or byapertures in the brush head through which protrude the flaps. Chemicalbonding may be by way of including similar elements in each of thematerials. For example, thermoplastic elastomers comprise some degree ofpolyolefin. When melted the polyolefine element of the thermoplasticelastomer will bond chemically with a polyolefin component of the head.Further bonding methods include welding and sonication.

[0015] The flaps may be linked to one another or be separate from oneanother. It is preferred that they linked to one another to facilitatemanufacture: they can thus be moulded in one step. Where they are linkedto one another it is preferred that they are attached to a common baseplate which itself is attached to the head. The base plate may coverfrom 25 to 100% of the opposite face of the brush head, preferably from25 to 95% or whatever area is required to be covered.

[0016] A separate base plate allows separate manufacture of the brushhead and flaps. This allows for changes in the design of either to bemade quickly and efficiently. Further, it allows for the same base plateto be adapted to any new design of toothbrush. Where the base plate isdetachable from the toothbrush head it also allows several base platesto be available to the consumer such that different plates can be usedfor different circumstances. For example, one can be used for massagingthe gums while another is used for polishing the teeth or scraping thetongue after toothbrushing.

[0017] Where a base plate is employed it is preferred that the baseplate comprises a bulge in the centre to extend the flaps further in thecentre without impacting their structural integrity and efficacy, i.e.the flaps physical dimension are the same but they are allowed to extendfurther in the centre because of the bulged base plate.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment a bulge can be provided bycontouring the opposite face of the brush head.

[0019] The flaps will extend from the brush head by a maximum distanced. This maximum distance d is the average of the maximum distances bywhich each of the flaps extend from the brush head. The value of dtypically ranges from 0.1 to 2 mm.

[0020] Where there is a bulge it is preferred that the bulge has a depthfrom the brush head of from 0.1 to 3 d. This is to ensure that thecorrect dimensions are being maintained to provide the desired sensorialeffect. Where d is large the brush's reverse face has a pronounced bulgeand exhibits a focused effect on the oral cavity surfaces, e.g. itallows for a more targeted effect whether polishing, massaging orscraping, etc.

[0021] The brush may also comprise the same resilient material in thehandle or the head. In the head the resilient material may be used toprovide flexibility to the head and in the handle to provide an improvedgrip. The resilient material may thus be linked to common areas suchthat the material is provides to the brush in one injection mould step.The link between the sections may be hidden from view by way of channelsthrough the material making the rest of the brush or by visibly presentchannels on the brush surface.

[0022] Where the flaps comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) theShore A hardness of the TPE is preferably from 15 to 65, more preferablyfrom 25 to 55.

[0023] Preferably the flaps are separated from one another by a distanceequal to from 0.5 d to 2 d, preferably from 0.75 d to 1.75 d. Thisspecific distancing with respect to height provides the flaps with asuperior sensorial effect on the buccal lining during use. If the flapsare too far apart they will be sensed individually and if they are tooclose to one another their special sensorial effect will not beperceived at all.

[0024] While the flaps may extend along the brush head in any directionit is preferred that the wall-like flaps extend along the brush head ina direction the main component of which is substantially transverse tothe general longitudinal axis of the brush head. This enables the flapsto exert their sensorial effect on the buccal lining when the brush isbeing moved along the teeth from one tooth to an adjacent tooth.

[0025] The flaps may also extend in a curved line along the brush head.This enables the sensorial effect to be provided should the user brushwith a circular motion. Such a curved line is preferably arcuate andmore preferably generally sinusoidal.

[0026] Where the flaps extend along the brush head in more than onedirection it is preferred that at least 50%, more preferably 75% of theflaps extend n a similar fashion along the brush head. Should too manydirections be used it may become difficult for the user to distinguishthe individual directions used and this means that the massaging effectbecomes lessened.

[0027] The flaps of the toothbrush will also have a width which may varyalong the flap and may be different if measured at the base or tip, forexample, the flap may be tapered away from the base.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment the average width a of the flapsmeasured at a mid point along each flap's length is from 0.1 to 0.7 d,preferably from 0.15 to 0.5 d. This enables the width of the flap to bedetected during use in the mouth and against the buccal lining which isnot so sensitive as other parts of the oral cavity. If the flap is toothick it will be perceived badly during use and if it is too thin itwill deform too easily and will not be sensed at all.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment the maximum width of any flapalong its entire length is from 0.1 to 1.5 a, preferably from 0.4 to 1.2a. This provides for an optimum effect during use and also makes theproduct easier to manufacture.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment at least one flap extends for adistance equal to 1 to 20 d, preferably from 5 to 18 d. The ratiobetween the distance run along the brush head and the distance extendedfrom the head can be important in establishing the optimum technicalcharacteristics of the flap. Should the flap not run for a reasonablelength along the brush head there is a danger that it will deform tooeasily when brushed at an acute angle along the buccal lining. A flap ofconsiderable length compared with its distance from the next flapprovides a much improved effect.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment at least one flap slopestowards the brush head at its edges. This reduces any harsh sensorialeffect in having sharp edges rubbing against the oral cavity surfaces.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment the flaps of the presentinvention may comprise an abrasive incorporated therein. Suitableabrasives include perlite, silica, chalk, calcined alumina and mixturesthereof. Such abrasives will be incorporated at from 0.1 to 3% byweight.

[0033] In yet a further preferred embodiment the flaps of the presentinvention may comprise an oral care benefit agent incorporated thereinfor delayed release during use. Such oral care benefit agents includeanti-caries agents, anti-tartar agents, flavours, anti-malodour agentsetc.

[0034] In yet a further embodiment at least one flap comprises a roundedtip portion for reducing any sharp sensorial effect during use.Conversely, should a sharp sensorial effect be required a sharpened edgecan be provided for those consumers who prefer a harsh sensorialexperience. These sharpened tips may be directioned, e.g. towards oraway from the tip of the brush head.

[0035] The foregoing description and examples illustrate selectedembodiments of the present invention. In light thereof variations andmodifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of whichare within the spirit and purview of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now bediscussed with respect to the following non-limiting drawings in which

[0037]FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a toothbrush according to theinvention;

[0038] FIGS. 2 to 7 are end-on views of a brush according to theinvention;

[0039]FIGS. 8 and 9 are side elevations of a toothbrush according to theinvention;

[0040]FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a flexible headed toothbrushaccording to the invention;

[0041] FIGS. 11 to 15 are plan views of the resilient flaps ontoothbrushes according to the invention;

[0042]FIG. 16 is a side elevation of a brush according to the invention;and

[0043]FIG. 17 is a plan view of a head according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] In detail, FIG. 1 shoes a toothbrush (1) comprising a handle (2)and a bristle-bearing head (3) attached thereto, said head (3)comprising a bristle-bearing face (4) and an opposite face (5), saidopposite face (5) comprising an array of resilient wall-like massagingflaps (6).

[0045] FIGS. 2 to 7 disclose a similar brush head comprising an array offlaps, only the end-on flap (6) being viewable. In FIG. 2 the flap issymmetrical, extends a distance d from the brush head, and extends justshort of the entire width of the brush head. In FIG. 3 the flap slopesat its edges. In FIG. 4 there are three flaps in a line making up almostthe entire width of the head. In FIG. 5 the flap is short in the middlethan at the edges. In FIG. 6 the tip edge of the flap is asymmetrical.In FIG. 7 the flap extends only for about half the width of the head.

[0046]FIG. 8 discloses a brush head comprising an array of flaps. Thearray comprising flaps of a graduated nature extending further from thebrush head at the centre of the array than at the edges.

[0047]FIG. 9 discloses a brush head comprising an array of flaps. Thearray comprising flaps of a graduated nature extending further from thebrush head at the tip of the head and extending progressively less fromthe head towards the handle.

[0048]FIG. 10 discloses a flexible headed toothbrush comprising a pairof oppositely facing head sections (3 a, 3 b) linked by a flexibleregion (7). Each head section (3 a, 3 b) has on its opposite face anarray of wall-like flaps (6 a, 6 b).

[0049] FIGS. 11 to 14 disclose various arrangement of flaps on theopposite face. In FIG. 11 the flaps are arcuate. In FIG. 12 the flapsare aranged transverse the general longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.In FIG. 13 the flaps are graduated being longer at the tip and gettingprogressively shorter towards the handle end of the brush head. In FIG.14 the flaps are angled.

[0050] In FIG. 15 the brush head comprising a pair of oppositely facingsections each comprising an array of flaps (6 a, 6 b). The flaps on thetip section of the brush head have flaps arranged along the generallongitudinal axis of the toothbrush while in the main section of thebrush head the flaps (6 b) are arranged transverse the same axis.

[0051] In FIG. 16, the flaps (6) are arranged on a support base (8)which bulges in the middle thus extending the distance from the brushhead without weakening the integrity of the flaps in the centre.

[0052]FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a brush head comprising a supportbase (8) upon which are located the flaps (6).

[0053]FIG. 18 shows a flap (18 a) with a wide base anchoring it to thebrush head. Flap 18 b is adhered straight to the base by an adhesive orotherwise, while flap (18 c) is attached to a base plate which is itselfadhered to the head.

[0054] In FIG. 19 there are three differently dimensioned flaps. Flap(19 a) has a rounded end, flap (19 b) has a sharpened tip angled to oneside and flap (19 c) has a centrally sharpened tip.

What is claimed is:
 1. Toothbrush comprising a handle and abristle-bearing head attached thereto, said head comprising abristle-bearing face and an opposite face, said opposite face comprisingan array of resilient wall-like massaging flaps.
 2. Toothbrush accordingto claim 1, wherein the resilient wall-like flaps extend for a maximumdistance d from the brush head and are spaced apart from one another bya distance equal to from 0.5 d to 2 d.
 3. Toothbrush according to claim1, wherein the resilient wall-like flap is made from a thermoplasticelastomer.
 4. Toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the elastomer hasa Shore A hardness of from 15 to
 45. 5. Toothbrush according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the wall-like flaps extends along the brush headin a direction substantially transverse a general longitudinal axis ofthe brush head.
 6. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least oneof the wall-like flaps extends in a curve along the brush head. 7.Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least half of the wall-likeflaps extend in substantially the same direction along the brush head.8. Toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the average width a of thewall-like flaps as measured at a mid-point along any wall's length isfrom 0.1 to 0.7 d.
 9. Toothbrush according to claim 8, wherein the widthof any one of the wall-like flaps along its entire length is from 0.1 ato 1.5 a.
 10. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least onewall-like flap is tapered in cross section towards its tip. 11.Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least one wall-like flapextends for an average distance of from 1 to 20 d.
 12. Toothbrushaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one wall-like flap slopes towardsthe brush head at its edges.
 13. Toothbrush according to claim 1,wherein at least one wall-like flap comprises a flavour incorporatedtherein for delayed release during brushing.
 14. Toothbrush according toclaim 1, wherein at least one wall-like flap comprises an abrasiveselected from the group consisting of perlite, silica, chalk, calcinedalumina and mixtures thereof.